Allspice vs Mixed Spice: Why They're Not the Same Thing

By Sophie Dubois · May 26, 2026

The Most Confused Spice Pair

Allspice and mixed spice sound interchangeable but they're completely different. Using one when a recipe calls for the other will alter your dish significantly.

What Is Allspice?

Allspice (Pimenta dioica) is a single spice — the dried berry of a Jamaican tree. It tastes like a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It's one ingredient, not a blend.

What Is Mixed Spice?

Mixed spice (pudding spice) is a British blend containing cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, coriander, and sometimes ginger or mace. Used primarily in baking.

Key Differences

Allspice: single ingredient, peppery warmth, savory AND sweet uses. Mixed spice: multi-ingredient blend, sweet-forward, baking only.

Substitution Guide

If you have allspice but need mixed spice: combine 1 part allspice with 2 parts cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg. If you have mixed spice but need allspice: use at half the quantity.